South Yorkshire Police target Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham

South Yorkshire Police says more needs to be done to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham.

Following the Alexis Jay report of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), police say they have made “significant progress” since the findings.

The report estimated that 1,400 children had been sexually abused in Rotherham between 1997-2013, mainly by gangs of British-Pakistani men.

The abuse described included the abduction, rape, torture and sex trafficking of young children.

Nine arrests have been made in 2016 by the end of October, but there are still more than 11,100 new lines of inquiry to be investigated.

British House of Lords member Nazir Ahmed, said: “It’s important that the community, rather than going silent, talk about it.”

Officers are now promoting a ‘Spot the Signs’ style campaign and helpline alongside the Operation codenamed ‘Stovewood’, to ensure people come forward and that future investigations are managed effectively.

Last week, eight men were convicted in light of the Operation into the rape and sexual abuse of three girls as young as 13 years old.

The men were sentenced for terms of between 5 and 19 years each.

The National Crime Agency is also working with Rotherham Council and local health agencies to ensure victims and survivors are given support, with help so far given to over 130 identified victims and survivors.